Three Exhibits Plus a Fiesta

    Guild Hall will open three art shows this weekend with a reception on Saturday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. — exhibits of work by Drew Shiflett and Rafael Ferrer (see related story) and a permanent-collection show.

    Ms. Shiflett’s “constructed drawings” can look like hand-painted fabric because they use handmade paper as their support. She applies graphite, ink, watercolor, and Conte crayon to sections that she then layers and places together. She won top honors at the 2009 Guild Hall Members Exhibition from Jodi Hauptman, a drawings curator at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City who served as juror for that show.

    She was “intrigued by the way the artist emphasized the material aspects of the work of art . . . the many mediums used, the handmade paper, and the actual putting together of the pieces,” Ms. Hauptman said. “It made me want to see more of this artist’s work.”

    Ms. Shiflett’s work will be on view with Mr. Ferrer’s “Contrabando,” key selections from his work from 1972 to the present with a focus on painting. Esperanza Leon was guest curator for the exhibit. All three shows will be on view through Jan. 16.

    The art exhibits will have a number of public programs associated with them. On Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m., there will be a celebration in Spanish and English called FIESTA! Events include a puppet show, “La Cucarachita Martina,” or “Martina, the Little Roach,” by Teatro SEA of Puerto Rico and New York from 3 to 4 p.m. for children ages 3 to 8, a crafts workshop for children 5 and older at 2:30, and a gallery talk by Mr. Ferrer. The events are free.

    On Nov. 12 at noon, there will be a hand-papermaking workshop with instructors from the Dieu Donné organization, which has its own handmade paper mill. There is a $25 fee for the workshop, $20 for museum members. Each student will have an opportunity to make a sheet of paper and create their own art with it.